Steele Associates

Shimmering House

Builder: Steele Associates Construction Architect: Bureau SRH

This building breaks all the rules, and does so beautifully. The off-form concrete swimming pool projects towards the street, it’s glass bottom casting dappled blue light over the entry path. Shrouded entirely in a delicately crafted brass screen, the upper floor cantilevers dramatically towards Cooper Park on a 28m long site fabricated exposed steel truss. Operable panels in the screen are activated with custom designed piston system to create framed views without compromising sun shading and privacy. This steeply sloping site had limited access on a busy blind corner, blocked by a massive fig tree which was the subject of a hefty council bond. Neighbouring structures bearing upon the land added further challenge, as did the requirement to maintain a functioning bus stop at the entrance. More than once was the analogy made of passing a camel through the eye of a needle! Tectonics and materiality drive the impact of this striking building. Structural elements are exposed and detailed intricately to create a robust, yet elegant aesthetic. Form-ply over exposed joists, face block-work, honed concrete cantilevered kitchen bench and chalkboard joinery in the kitchen and dining room are juxtaposed by the warm glow of gold-leaf fronted cupboard doors running the length of the rear wall. 3x5m sliding glass doors were craned in to provide thrilling scale to the space, connecting it to the north-facing courtyard. SAC’s carpenters worked for months on perfecting the alignment and finish of the plywood and solid Blackbutt timber lining with shadowline detailing. You won’t find a single sheet of plasterboard in this house. The Shimmering House prototypes the most details, took the most risks and produced the most striking result of all the projects we’ve built over the years.

Kangaroo Valley Retreat

Builder: Steele Associates Construction Architect: Utz Sanby Architects

Living spills out to breathtaking country views in this luxurious residence. Architect and builder worked together to keep construction costs low through clever use of simple materials, giving a high quality, low maintenance finish with unique detailing. Environmentally sensitive features such as solar power, solar hot water, water tanks and gas underfloor heating were seamlessly integrated into the design without blowing the budget. Architect's Reference As well as being the building contractor on the job, Steele Associates facilitated delivery of the project in two key areas of cost and detailing. The original tender submitted by SA was higher than the construction budget as were other costings obtained. SA proposed a series of cost saving measures which reduced construction cost by around 20%. It was clear from these measures that SA had effectively interpreted the architectural intent of the project and had managed to substantially cut costs without reducing the size and quality of the building. Some measures even enhanced the design outcome. SA's in-house architectural skills meant that their project management team was willing and able to provide considerable assistance in resolving construction details in a manner that carried the overall character of the design through to the fine grain elements of the building. Cooperation and consultation on issues such as the operation weather sealing and aesthetics of the operable bathroom wall panel meant that our vision was successfully translated into built form. The quality of construction and standard of finish is high throughout the building and we would not hesitate to use and recommend Steele Associates as building professionals on future projects. Please contact the undersigned with any queries you may have regarding the above. Duncan Sanby for Utz-Sanby Architects Pty. Ltd.

ESD Twins

Builder: Steele Associates Construction Architect: Environa Studio

This pair of houses is built with insulation cladding over masonry walls, keeping the internal temperature comfortable all year round. A number of other clever environmental design features include renewable harvest bamboo flooring, rainwater collection, high efficiency solar water heating and 'stack effect' ventilation. Difficult ground conditions and tight access were overcome to deliver a fine building.

Texture House

Builder: Steele Associates Construction Architect: Tom Ferguson

Tom Ferguson had been ruminating over the design for his own house for years. When it came time to choose a builder he selected Steele Associates as his partner in the project. With the freedom of being his own client, Tom incorporated brave features such as a shower recess cut into a Victorian timber floor with a joinery unit completing the conversion of living room to bathroom. Three meter high recycled hardwood pivot doors were cut into a brick floor. Each board of the prefinished joinery ceiling was individually trimmed to align with the skewed side boundaries, and blending of old and new structure was impeccably detailed. The stunning result speaks for itself.

Pittwater House

Builder: Steele Associates Construction Architect: Utz Sanby Architects

The challenge here was creating something special on a steeply sloping site requiring extensive excavation. Today, charming bay windows and masses of detailed woodwork are features of this impressive home.

Truss Beach House

Builder: Steele Associates Construction Architect: Peter Downes Designs

Ever ready for a challenge, Steele Associates took on this project on a steeply sloping site requiring five metre piers. The project consisted of demolition of the existing old weatherboard house and the construction of an architect designed Balinese style 3 bedroom beach house on a difficult sloping block using light frame construction techniques. The end result -- a stylish, environmentally friendly home with generous outdoor living areas -- made the hard work well worth the effort. Client Reference Steele Associates had been chosen for the project over three other short listed builders. Whereas prices were roughly comparable, our decision to use Steele Associates rested then on our percept ion that we would get greater value for money through Oliver' s architectural background, our ability to effectively communicate with him and his focused project management approach involving dedicated experienced foreman and QA processes. In essence we were comfortable that should there be problems, which there always are, then this was the best team to work through them and deliver cost effective solutions. The demolition commenced in October 2007 and we moved into the new property in the beginning of December 2008. Result: Both J and myself are delighted with the result in that the house was built to specification price time and quality despite serious disruptions caused by severe rain events. We believe that Steele Associates have a number of key attributes that enabled this outcome. Key Attributes: 1. Excellent Communication: Including knowledgeable staff regular site meetings good escalation processes, responsiveness, good rapport and respect for client views. 2. Value for Money: Including keeping to budget plus a very effective and non exorbitant change control methodology. 3. Added Value: Oliver's expertise in architecture enabled a number of original and added value solutions to be implemented expeditiously. 4. Project Management: As a project manager myself, I was delighted with the dedication (via a full time experienced foreman), documentation and QA processes that assisted keep everything on track. When problems occurred, such as awful site conditions because of rain, they were dealt with effectively and as a priority. 5. Level of Trust: The openness, transparency and fairness displayed by Oliver and his team enabled a great level of trust to develop early on in the project. 6. Green Credentials: Oliver's knowledge of environmental sustainability was very evident in terms of advice, change control and choice of materials. We arc probably only one of a few houses that are certified as being Carbon Neutral in their construction. 7. Quality: Finally Oliver, his team and his subcontractors displayed a consistently high quality of work and attention to detail that made the final product a wow with both its owners and all that come to visit. No issues of any consequence have arisen in the first year of occupation. We are delighted with our dream home and would definitely use Steele Associates again. Fairly obviously we would advise others to do so as well.

Warm House

Builder: Steele Associates Construction Architect: Habitation

Bold materials including detailed off-form concrete and copper shingle cladding set this building apart from your average home renovation. The striking 7 metre high blade wall at the entry and 4.5 metre wide plate glass windows (craned in) add a dramatic scale to this urban oasis. During demolition, we found the existing load-bearing walls intended to be kept were inadequate. This necessitated a complete structural re-design, incorporating steel portal frames, which Steele Associates contributed solutions to reduce additional costs, like using LVLs in lieu of steel beams and minimising demolition requirements. The use of solar hydronic heating and rainwater re-use add environmental ticks of approval to the project, creating a uniquely luxurious home with reduced environmental impact.

Floating House

Builder: Impact Design & Construct Pty Ltd Architect: Steele Associates Construction

The rear and roof space of this heritage-listed terrace were remodelled with floor space significantly increased. The challenge was the potentially claustrophobic context, with high brick and sandstone walls to rear and side boundaries. Natural light and seemingly suspended volumes were used to create a sense of weightlessness, countering the mass of surrounding features.

Open Plane House

Builder: Steele Associates Construction Architect: Utz Sanby Architects

An elegant steel frame combined with large sliding glass panels creates the feeling of a hovering roof over the open plan living pavilion. The project called for a full renovation of the existing federation house as well as the rear addition and landscaping of the property. Steele Associates contributed refinements to the design such pioneered an innovative concealed drainage system to the sliding panels, achieving a flush threshold detail which blurs the distinction between inside and outside. Client Reference Thank You for all the hard work and energy. The house feels absolutely fantastic and it’s all due to Steele Associates. I really look forward to the day I work with the team again. You guys are tops!! Will miss you!

Party House

Builder: Steele Associates Construction Architect: Designer Client

Only three brickwork walls were retained from the original building for this major renovation overhaul. Amongst the home's many wow factors is an operable glass roof over a two storey galley space with a glass bridge walkway across it. A hand-carved bathtub and detailed mosaic tiling on the curved surfaces make for a stunning bathroom. The use of an industrial glass garage door provides an amazing open space between the master bedroom and the rooftop terrace. Rainwater reuse and the installation of solar hydronic heating add environmentally friendly to this outstanding home's CV.

Prototype House

Builder: Steele Associates Construction Architect: Terroir

The incredibly complex geometry of this bespoke rear addition required all the skill and care of our top tradespeople in working with the architects to resolve construction detailing. Materials were used in prototypical ways to create a striking, yet highly functional space which breathes new life into a federation home and connects it to the garden.

Finesse House

Builder: Steele Associates Construction Architect: Tzannes Associates

The client was passionate about reducing the environmental impact of the building, and had strict requirements on everything from waste recycling, to grey water systems, FSC Certified timber, low VOC finishes, and many other aspects of the build process. Steele’s team were willing and able to deliver on these environmental best-practice goals. In the end, A luxurious, high quality renovation was delivered whilst keeping environmental factors in consideration. The images speak for themselves.

City Oasis

Builder: Jorge Hrdina Architects Architect: Steele Associates Construction

Take two pokey townhouses and combine into a single residence to create an elegant New York style terrace. No element or junction has escaped careful consideration in building and finishing this outstanding example of fine workmanship with the highest quality materials. Brazilian Mahogony veneer, solid European Beech and natural stone joinery provide warmth and style. Raw silk wall and door panelling alongside suede upholstery to joinery add natural textures to achieve an exceptional finish. Working within the very strict regime of the Horizon complex placed significant constraints on construction scheduling and required skilful site management and public relations. Steele’s project manager won the trust and respect of all stakeholders, avoiding any complaints about the construction process. Home automation including over 150 light fittings, fully concealed air conditioning, underfloor heating, gas open fire, and extensive IT infrastructure were integrated into the existing structure, a process requiring careful on-site design and coordination by Steele Associates. Steel roof members required re-engineering to avoid loss of integrity with installation of new skylights. Each stair riser on the existing staircase had to be individually altered to suit level changes. Throughout the project the existing fabric was massaged to accommodate the highly refined level of quality expected of the project. Features such as the fully mirrored WC, custom designed silk bi-fold room dividers, cornice with integrated art-track, cantilevered concrete hearth and flush finished threshold incorporating under-slab drainage make this project sing.

Bellevue Hill

Builder: Steele Associates Construction Architect: Julia Hopcroft

A newly married couple wanted a luxury fit out to an apartment in a 60’s block with a great view of the city and harbour. Extensive highly detailed joinery makes the most of the space by introducing multi-function elements like fold down beds and a study concealed in a cabinet. Difficult access, and zero-tolerance detailing was no problem for Steele Associates.

Deco Upgrade

Builder: Steele Associates Construction Architect: Cracknell & Lonergan Architects

Steele Associates managed to excavate over 100m3 of solid rock to within 4” of the existing facade without any cracking occurring to our clients or neighbors properties. A high level of coordination and cooperation with occupants ensured that we cut all new openings and installed glazed doors with minimal disruption. The transformation of the building is incredible, and was published on the front cover of the SMH Domain.

Classic House

Builder: Steele Associates Construction Architect: Tzannes Associates

A dilapidated original terrace and adjoining vacant lot were transformed into a 10m wide ‘super terrace’ in this intricate heritage project. Steele Associates painstakingly restored the existing terrace, creating a grand exterior worthy of the prestigious Paddington location. A second identical terrace frontage was added to meet strict heritage requirements, and blends perfectly with the Victorian streetscape. Demolition of the existing rear lean-to revealed that the original heritage listed two storey high, 12m long boundary wall was completely detached from the main part of the house, making it a huge, unsupported domino! Steele Associates temporarily braced the wall before working with the engineer on the structural acrobatics required for a permanent solution, because although the wall was to be rendered, council would not entertain the idea of demolition and rebuilding using the existing sandstock bricks. From the 3m high plate steel fireplace fascia and wrought iron staircase, to the shaped solid timber joinery and custom-made timber cornices, to the jet-black pool interior; intricate detailing sets this grand residence apart as a truly classic Tzannes design.

Old & New House

Builder: Steele Associates Construction Architect: Architects Marshall

Over 100m3 of sandstone was removed from the rear of this terrace house site to make way for a modern residence behind the heritage listed street frontage, which Steele Associates retained and restored. Intricately detailed joinery and window systems, off-form concrete and double height spaces make the most of a tight site, resulting in a unique oasis in the city. Client Reference Oliver Steele built our home at the above address in 2005. It was a complex re-build of a workman's cottage which was one hundred years old. A car-port was also built. The old cottage was demolished, except for the front wall, which remained to fulfill the Council's heritage requirements. The facade formed the front of a new contemporary dwelling. The land was a small triangular block. Excavations were necessary as a second storey was required. Two bobcats operated in a confined space. It was a challenge, as the land sloped upwards at the back and was very narrow. A rear courtyard was also built. My husband and I were impressed with Oliver's professional and positive approach. We were happy with the quality of the workmanship and the attention to detail at every level. Oliver was environmentally conscious. He suggested eco-friendly solutions to several problems. Any concerns we voiced were dealt with promptly. What impressed us most was the courtesy of each labourer whenever we visited the site; the foreman always accompanied us during an inspection. He insisted that safety measures were in place for us and his staff, at all times. Our dealings with Oliver were pleasant and productive. We watch his progress with interest. We would not hesitate to seek Oliver's advice or employ his skills, at any time in the future.

Intersecting House

Builder: Steele Associates Construction Architect: Smart Design Studio

Beautifully detailed joinery and finishes abound throughout this bold rear addition to a Federation charmer.